San Antonio, TX (June 25, 2015) – When you think of going on a pub crawl in San Antonio, you might think of the Riverwalk, The Pearl, or St. Mary’s Strip. If you truly, however, want to do more than just go bar hopping – if you are looking to sample concoctions from the sophisticated to the whimsical, and to do so while enjoying some of the most beautiful Texas scenery imaginable – then the La Cantera Resort & Spa has an unmatched cocktail adventure waiting for you.

The La Cantera Resort & Spa, part of the Destination Hotels collection, boasts four unique bars – six if you include the poolside bars Topaz and Vista Grille. Each offers a distinct ambience and experience, from the classic dark wood-toned elegance of Sire bar to the bright, fresh feel of Primero Cantina to the casual dining of the SweetFire Kitchen and the world-class resort atmosphere found at the CityView Terrace, where you can enjoy a one-of-kind sunset poolside overlooking a Hill Country valley.

Mix this setting with first-class hospitality service delivered by highly trained and experienced bar and wait staff. Then, blend it with a passion for spirits found in the inspired, well-balanced menu of hand-crafted cocktails. The result: La Cantera takes the notion of the pub crawl well beyond the next level.

That passion is personified by Will Primavera, La Cantera Resort’s Director of Food and Beverage. For the past year, Primavera – formerly Vice President of Food & Beverage at The Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas – has been shaping the culinary direction of the resort. With more than three decades in the business, going back to his humble childhood beginnings as a dishwasher through his training as a Level II Sommelier and extensive experience managing multiple restaurants in Las Vegas, Primavera brings an infectious zeal to his duties. For him, helping create La Cantera’s highly original cocktail offerings has been more work than play.

“A great cocktail should be balanced, structured and have layers with ingredients that compliment, while creating a memorable event with every sip. You don’t always have to re-invent the wheel; just make it a little rounder” What we have created are meant to be complementary – structured, balanced cocktails that move on through the night.”

A pub crawl at La Cantera – a sophisticated safe night out where the ride home will be in an elevator to your room – looks like this if Primavera is leading the way:

The “Velvet Revolver” at Sire Bar. Three drops of Siracha give this bright mixture of Plymouth Gin and Ty Ku Citrus Liqueur, cucumber and lime with a hint of heat with each sip. Served in a martini glass with a cucumber for garnish, a refreshing starter for the experience ahead.

“Lavender Mojito” at Primero Cantina. Primavera takes pride in the amount of training required to make a quality mojito. “The drink should not be overmuddled -- you don’t want to bruise the mint or lime,” he says. “It should be muddled enough to open up the layers.” For the signature Lavendar Mojito, fresh seasonal blackberries or blueberries are muddled with mint leaves and mixed with house-made lavender simple syrup made with a carefully steeped lavender bud. “The fruit is much more aromatic and gives it a fantastic shot of color, and the lavender adds a great floral feel to complement the mojito flavors.” (If you are not in the mood for a mojito, Primavera notes that Primero Cantina also is home to La Cantera’s take on the beer-rita, the “Corona Limona” made with Bacardi Limon instead of tequila.)

“Setting Sun Sangria” at CityView Terrace. This is a perfect complement to a stunning view of the sunset. It’s made with dry white wine, brandy, nutmeg, real vanilla bean, three different types of flavored vodka, cinnamon stalks and a white peach puree flown in from France. The orange and lemon medallions in the drink are macerated for up to three days. “We use a touch of sugar to set off the tartness of the drink,” Primavera says. “And we top it with a touch of sparkling wine to give it backbone and acidity.” Fittinglyserved in a wine glass.

“Vote 4 Pedro” at Primero Cantina. It is well worth a return trip here to try the playfully named “Vote 4 Pedro,” a tequila cocktail that is much more than a margarita. Agave nectar, hibiscus syrup and a pinch of kosher salt shaken with lime and tequila to create a uniquely balanced approachable libation. The presentation in a Marie Antoinette glass adds to the unforgettable nature of the concoction, made all the more memorable by the garnish – an edible hibiscus flower that presents softly sour plum notes.

“Jekyll and Hyde” at SweetFire Kitchen. The capper of the night is one of the most intriguing - a very adult butterscotch ice cream shake. White Godiva, Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka blended with a generous portion of full-fat ice cream (no lite or non-fat please), a touch of salt and garnish of real crumbled Werther’s Butterscotch candies. Other ice cream drinks such as the Drunken Grasshopper and Elvi’s are also on the menu if butterscotch is not to your liking, but if you’re not sure, the “Jekyll and Hyde” is worth the gamble.

Primavera notes you don’t have to try to complete this pub crawl in one night. The magic of La Cantera Resort & Spa can be savored over the course of a long weekend or weeklong stay. Learn more at Lacanteraresort.com

Velvet Revolver

1 oz Ty Ku Green

1 oz Plymouth Gin

½ Rock Candy

½ oz Lime Juice

2 slices Cucumber

3 drops Siracha.

Muddle cucumber with lime, build ingredients with ice, Shake, strain and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with cucumber slice

Situated atop one of the highest points in San Antonio, overlooking the breathtaking Texas Hill Country, sits the award-winning La Cantera Resort & Spa. Ideal for business and leisure travelers alike, the resort offers sweeping views and an endless expanse of majestic Live Oak groves framed by native Texas limestone outcroppings, the emerald fairways of two 18-hole championship golf courses, and sparkling pools. During the Resort’s comprehensive transformation project, La Cantera temporarily suspended overnight accommodations in the fall of 2014, and will once again welcome guests in April of 2015. For additional information on La Cantera Resort & Spa, please visit www.lacanteraresort.com. Follow us on Twitter: @LaCanteraResort. Follow us on Facebook: La Cantera Resort & Spa.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels (Destination) is a collection of luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences across the United States. Offering authentically immersed and enriching experiences, each property is individual at heart, yet connected by a commitment to drawing upon the best of each location. Highly distinct, the Destination experience is always memorable and matchless; guests will feel the locale in a genuine way through each property and during the engaging moments cultivated both in and outside of them. Continuously growing with more than 40 properties from coast to coast, the award-winning portfolio features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, and 105 exceptional bars and restaurants. Destination Hotels are true to our place; diverse by design. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: Destination Hotels.